CDC Guidelines to Improve Antibiotic Stewardship in Nursing Homes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a document entitled “Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes”. The publication provides direction for facilities in examining current practices related to antibiotic prescribing, as well as ways to collect data to track, trend, and evalaute those practices.
The guide starts with the organizational leadership structure, and provides additional guidance related to treatment choices, responsiblility, and staff education.
In the report, the CDC outlines 7 core elements for nursing home antibiotic stewardship programs: leadership commitment, accountability, drug expertise, action, tracking, reporting, and education.